Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 22
Bhaimaśaṅkara-māhātmya: Śiva’s Descent in Kāmarūpa and the Rise of Bhīma
ब्रह्माणां च समुद्दिश्य वर्षाणां च सहस्रकम् । मनसा ध्यानमाश्रित्य तपश्चक्रे महत्तदा
brahmāṇāṃ ca samuddiśya varṣāṇāṃ ca sahasrakam | manasā dhyānamāśritya tapaścakre mahattadā
Bấy giờ, nhắm đến thời hạn một nghìn năm của chư thiên, Bhīma chuyên chú tâm ý trong thiền quán, và vào lúc ấy đã thực hành khổ hạnh lớn lao.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It highlights that even exalted beings must rely on sustained dhyāna (inner concentration) and tapas (disciplined austerity) to become fit for Shiva’s grace—showing the Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on purification and divine favor.
Though the verse speaks of mental contemplation, it supports Saguna Shiva worship by indicating that focused meditation (often on Shiva’s form or the Linga) is a valid means to steady the mind and prepare the devotee for Shiva’s revelation and blessings.
The direct practice is dhyāna with firm resolve over time; in Shaiva usage this is commonly supported by japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and observances like vrata and purity disciplines, even when not explicitly stated in this single verse.